Our Commitment to Reconciliation 

At Plan and Grow, we are dedicated to fostering strong relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader community.

This year, we have entered the Reflect stage of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and we have been focused on educating our staff and leadership about the importance of reconciliation and connecting with Indigenous-led organisations that align with our mission.

Our aim is to empower people to succeed and we believe that cultural connection is essential for healing and growth. Through our RAP, we strive to reconnect Aboriginal participants with their culture, families, and land.

We also seek to leverage the wisdom of Aboriginal elders and mentors to support young Aboriginal youth and other Indigenous Australians in their journeys, integrating First Nations knowledge with contemporary practices.

While we have made strides in addressing the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples, we understand that there is still much work ahead. Our reconciliation journey is just beginning and we invite you to follow our progress and initiatives throughout the year. Together, we can create a brighter future for all Australians, particularly those in NDIS and out-of-home care services.

During the event, Noongar Elder Dr Richard Barry Walley OAM challenged the audience to embrace "uncomfortable conversations" as a catalyst for progress.

He shared insights into the Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) Project, which aims to bring truth-telling and commemoration to the island’s history as an Aboriginal prison. 

Dr Walley reminded the crowd of the significance of individual contributions: "No matter where you are, you hold a space and it's the tapestry that brings us together."

He further emphasised that "you may not think you're important but you pull that one thread and the whole tapestry falls apart, so each and every one of us plays our role."

This event marked the beginning of National Reconciliation Week across Australia, sparking reflection and commitment towards a more united future.

National Reconciliation Week Breakfast

This year NRW took place from 27 May to 3 June 2024, under the theme "Now More Than Ever." This theme serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples must continue.

At Plan and Grow, we were proud to join more than 10,000 West Australians throughout the week at numerous NRW events.

Plan and Grow proudly attended the National Reconciliation Week breakfast at Optus Stadium in Boorloo (Perth) to kick off the week long festivities, joining more than a thousand West Australians in a powerful show of unity.

The morning began with a vibrant cultural performance by the Karla Hart Dancers, followed by a breakfast featuring native ingredients.

Elders, politicians, Stolen Generation survivors, and both Indigenous and non-Indigenous attendees were welcomed by Barry Winmar, who conducted a moving smoking ceremony at the gates.

Our representatives participated in a walk from Langley Park to the Supreme Court Gardens, standing in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This march was a collective effort to recognise the injustices faced by our First Nations peoples and to reinforce our commitment to working together to close the gap in health, education, and social outcomes.

Now  More Than Ever

National Reconciliation

Week

We we're lucky enough to catch a picture with the Deputy Major for the city of Cockburn, First Nations woman Chontelle Stone.